Boomslang
by Johnny Marr & The Healers
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. Mojo
    60
    As a record of one man's love affair with his guitar, it's a solid testament. As the work of one of British music's unshakeable geniuses, however, it's not really worth the name. [Mar 2003, p.98]
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  2. Uncut
    80
    Most rewarding are the serene "Something to Shout About" and the cascading "Down On The Corner": respectively, the No 1 smash Electronic should have had and the massive hit a reformed Smiths still could. [Mar 2003, p.95]
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  3. Launch.com
    80
    Highly recommended.
  5. PopMatters
    60
    A pleasant, if not always engaging, slice of post-grunge, post-Britpop guitar rock.
  6. E! Online
    75
    The lyrics aren't "How Soon Is Now?"-type genius, but they go down easily enough.
  7. Splendid
    60
    However nice the guitar sounds, though, it's hard to ignore the fact that it's dressing up songs that would be a bit dull without it.
  8. The A.V. Club
    40
    Boomslang's heavily treated vocals, nondescript songwriting, and swirling, noisy production doesn't leave much room for personality to pop through.
  9. Billboard
    80
    Boomslang is the album Marr fans have been waiting a lifetime for.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    The album's arrangements are limp and unimaginative. [28 Feb 2003, p.80]
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  11. Q Magazine
    40
    Boomslang labours under the delusion that The Stone Roses' Second Coming was a good idea worth pursuing in greater detail. [Feb 2003, p.100]
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  12. Rolling Stone
    40
    It's got all the atmosphere of a great rock record, but not the guts of one.
  13. Neumu.net
    30
    Left to his own devices here, Marr has penned vague lyrics and delivered them in a monotone, coupled with uninspired melodies that only underline the singer's limitations.
  14. Alternative Press
    40
    The problem: Semi-masked in the Healers, he's short an originality chromosone. [Feb 2003, p.70]
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  15. Pitchfork
    37
    Positively pillaging Oasis and The Stone Roses (whom Oasis pillaged in the first place), Johnny Marr + The Healers' mediocre debut is a defeated regurgitation of danceable Britpop and Madchester traditions that, in its best moments, recalls a second-rate... Soup Dragons.
  16. Blender
    40
    The only standout is "Down On The Corner," built around the ear-pricking chords and lithe grace that stamp Marr's best work. [#14, p.139]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Fatspud
    Jan 21, 2012
    2
    For an album penned by the greatest pop guitarist ever, this is a sad affair. Johnny has clearly been caught up in the originality Black HoleFor an album penned by the greatest pop guitarist ever, this is a sad affair. Johnny has clearly been caught up in the originality Black Hole that engulfed almost all post britpop bands. None of these tracks show the genius guitar work that we know as trademark Marr- rather a mixing pot of all of the worst aspects of 2000's guitar culture. But its ok, we forgive you Johnny.… Full Review »
  2. Andy
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    Boomslang is a great record. Marr has kept it simple and not gone for broke with an overly polished & epic yet empty record - much like the Boomslang is a great record. Marr has kept it simple and not gone for broke with an overly polished & epic yet empty record - much like the ones we here from the likes of Coldplay. The musicianship is fantastic; Starkey's a great drummer...probably the best around at the moment. Great stuff.… Full Review »
  3. JohnT
    Jul 12, 2005
    9
    Very surprised at the mediocre reviews. This is a fantastic record.
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